Katherine Kingston's Bronzequest is the second book of her Glimmer Quest trilogy. Katherine is also known for her Passion series: Healing Passion, Ruling Passion, and Binding Passion. She also has stories in the anthologies Equinox and Holiday Heat.

When the king of Serendonia suffers an injury that will not heal, it begins to affect the kingdom, and the land begins to sicken. He discovers a legend saying three magical objects might hold the cure for him and his lands. To obtain these objects the quester must submit to trials and challenges of not only his physical endurance but also his integrity and strength of character. The king requests that his children find trustworthy candidates to take on this quest. The king's three children agree to take on a quest for the objects themselves.

Riva has successfully completed her quest for the silver platter, and now it is time for John to begin his journey. He prepares to leave with his two companions in search of the bronze lance: the second magical object. As with Riva, this journey will test all of John's courage, honor, loyalty, strength, and endurance.

When a woman appears out of the darkness the night before he leaves, John finds her frightening, ferocious beauty terrifying. She informs him that they are destined for each other. In the dream, her searing touch brings him both pain and ecstasy, making him doubt even more in his ability to successfully complete the quest.

While Bronzequest has some BSDM elements, that is not its focus. The story is about John, a young man who has been sheltered all of his life and who wants to grow past that sheltering. Through a series of sexual adventures on his journey, his understanding of responsibilities and consequences is expanded. Both John and Evelayna learn there is no easy way out, and that sometimes the hard way is the only way. This is a well-written story of growth and learning. Thoroughly enjoyable, one not to be missed.

Reviewed by Tammy Adams
© March 2005